Although it is not summer yet, it is time to write some short TV reviews. Here is a recap of the themes and reveals (SPOILERS) from Season 2 episode 1 of Penny Dreadful, “Fresh Hell”.

Penny Dreadful S2:Episode 1,

Plot:

Vanessa is barraged by an onslaught of disturbing occult images brought on by the mysterious Madame Kali. Because of the massacre he committed in the Mariner’s Inn, Ethan believes he needs to leave London. Dr. Frankenstein works to bring Brona back to life while under the pressure from Caliban, who, in search of work after being let go at the Grand Guignol, applies at a wax museum. After Mina’s funeral, Sir Malcolm returns to London to discover that a whole new evil is hunting Vanessa.

Themes:

As it was in Season 1, there is a main theme that the characters on Penny D all seem to believe in: Can and should they try to vanquish evil, while knowing that there is an evil inside of them. The question is: Will that “evil” or I would call it their “beastly strength” destroy them or their friends before they get a chance to finish off the evil forces around them?

The Victorian oppression of letting your true feelings and true self from showing was a big theme for the characters and was best exemplified in this episode by the Creature’s reluctance of accepting the beauty within himself, and instead taking a job at a wax museum where dead things are given life for the public to gawk at. Is this the Creature’s fate (to be gawked at) or is there hope that he will be accepted for the kind heart within him even though his face is horrible.

The spiritual world is both intriguing and dangerous in Penny Dreadful. This was exemplified by the pure and white snow being coated in red blood at the attack of the strange witches who seem to be able to appear and disappear from sight.

Vanessa and Mina – Showtime

Big Surprises:

Ethan realizes for the first time possibly how dangerous he can be to anyone even old friends (or foes). So much so, that he wants to leave Vanessa and those that offer him a chance at redemption. It caught me a bit by surprise that Vanessa had no real clue of his supernatural abilities. I guess her and Malcolm mainly wanted a gun for hire (last season).

Mrs. Malcolm has always resented his journeys to Africa and believes he went totally for selfish reasons. It remains to be seen if this is really true, but perhaps Malcolm went there for reasons that weren’t selfish. Obviously their partnership was strained when Peter died (and his body was left in Africa) but now it is totally ruined because of Mina’s death.

Poor Brona Croft. First Dr. Frankenstein killed her, now he is in love with the idea of a new life for her (without her consent) and then he is going to give her to the Creature. Will she remember Ethan in her new “undead” form?

The “witches”. Kinda boring in a way. It seems their only job is to provide the Master his desired “marriage” to Vanessa/ Ancient Deity. It doesn’t make sense to me why they would want to put a barrier between themselves and the Master (of evil). This reminded me of both Buffy the Vampire slayer and the Strain. Not good. I hope this is just one of the story lines this season and not the main one.